Epidermal growth factor receptor regulates fibrinolytic pathway elements in cervical cancer: functional and prognostic implications.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and components of the fibrinolytic system, including urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and thrombomodulin (TM), have been implicated in tumor progression. In the present study, we employed cBioPortal platform (http://www.cbioportal.org/), cancer cell lines, and an in vivo model of immunocompromised mice to evaluate a possible cooperation between EGFR signaling, uPA, and TM expression/function in the context of cervical cancer. cBioPortal analysis revealed that EGFR, uPA, and TM are positively correlated in tumor samples of cervical cancer patients, showing a negative prognostic impact. Aggressive human cervical cancer cells (CASKI) presented higher gene expression levels of EGFR, uPA, and TM compared to its less aggressive counterpart (C-33A cells). EGFR induces uPA expression in CASKI cells through both PI3K-Akt and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 downstream effectors, whereas TM expression induced by EGFR was dependent on PI3K/Akt signaling alone. uPA induced cell-morphology modifications and cell migration in an EGFR-dependent and -independent manner, respectively. Finally, treatment with cetuximab reduced in vivo CASKI xenografted-tumor growth in nude mice, and decreased intratumoral uPA expression, while TM expression was unaltered. In conclusion, we showed that EGFR signaling regulated expression of the fibrinolytic system component uPA in both in vitro and in vivo settings, while uPA also participated in cell-morphology modifications and migration in a human cervical cancer model.

Epidermal growth factor receptor regulates fibrinolytic pathway elements in cervical cancer: functional and prognostic implications

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and components of the fibrinolytic system, including urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and thrombomodulin (TM), have been implicated in tumor progression. In the present study, we employed cBioPortal platform (http://www.cbioportal.org/), cancer cell lines, and an in vivo model of immunocompromised mice to evaluate a possible cooperation between EGFR signaling, uPA, and TM expression/function in the context of cervical cancer. cBioPortal analysis revealed that EGFR, uPA, and TM are positively correlated in tumor samples of cervical cancer patients, showing a negative prognostic impact. Aggressive human cervical cancer cells (CASKI) presented higher gene expression levels of EGFR, uPA, and TM compared to its less aggressive counterpart (C-33A cells). EGFR induces uPA expression in CASKI cells through both PI3K-Akt and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 downstream effectors, whereas TM expression induced by EGFR was dependent on PI3K/Akt signaling alone. uPA induced cell-morphology modifications and cell migration in an EGFR-dependent and -independent manner, respectively. Finally, treatment with cetuximab reduced in vivo CASKI xenografted-tumor growth in nude mice, and decreased intratumoral uPA expression, while TM expression was unaltered. In conclusion, we showed that EGFR signaling regulated expression of the fibrinolytic system component uPA in both in vitro and in vivo settings, while uPA also participated in cell-morphology modifications and migration in a human cervical cancer model.

Bilateral Primary Obstructive Giant Megaureter in an Adult Dog.

A rare case of bilateral, primary, obstructive, giant megaureter was found during necropsy examination of an 11-year-old female German shepherd dog. On ultrasound examination and at necropsy examination, both ureters were tortuous and extensively dilated with diameter ranging from 1.86 to 4.8 cm. Both vesicoureteral junctions were obstructed by uroliths. A diagnosis of giant megaureter was established using human parameters since these values are not recognized in animals. The classification of obstructive and primary megaureter was determined because the obstruction was due to uroliths at the vesicoureteral junctions.

Responses of the weed Bidens pilosa L. to exogenous application of the steroidal saponin protodioscin and plant growth regulators 24-epibrassinolide, indol-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid.

The exogenous application of plant hormones and their analogues has been exploited to improve crop performance in the field. Protodioscin is a saponin whose steroidal moiety has some similarities to plant steroidal hormones, brassinosteroids. To test the possibility that protodioscin acts as an agonist or antagonist of brassinosteroids or other plant growth regulators, we compared responses of the weed species Bidens pilosa L. to treatment with protodioscin, brassinosteroids, auxins (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Seeds were germinated and grown in agar containing protodioscin, dioscin, brassinolides, IAA and ABA. Root apex respiratory activity was measured with an oxygen electrode. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes activities were assessed. Protodioscin at 48-240 µm inhibited growth of B. pilosa seedlings. The steroidal hormone 24-epibrassinolide (0.1-5 µm) also inhibited growth of primary roots, but brassicasterol was inactive. IAA at higher concentrations (0.5-10.0 µm) strongly inhibited primary root length and fresh weight of stems. ABA inhibited all parameters of seedling growth and also seed germination. Respiratory activity of primary roots (KCN-sensitive and KCN-insensitive) was activated by protodioscin. IAA and ABA reduced KCN-insensitive respiration. The content of MDA in primary roots increased only after protodioscin treatment. All assayed compounds increased APx and POD activity, with 24-epibrassinolide being most active. The activity of CAT was stimulated by protodioscin and 24-epibrassinolide. The results revealed that protodioscin was toxic to B. pilosa through a mechanism not related to plant growth regulator signalling. Protodioscin caused a disturbance in mitochondrial respiratory activity, which could be related to overproduction of ROS and consequent cell membrane damage.

Diversity of rickettsiae and potential vectors of spotted fever in an area of epidemiological interest in the Cerrado biome, midwestern Brazil.

The Brazilian state of Goiás, untouched by spotted fever (SF) until 2012, has subsequently reported cases of the disease in several regions. This study aimed to survey the diversity of potential vectors and rickettsia in areas of Goiás under environmental surveillance or case investigation for SF. Collected specimens were assayed with molecular biology technology using DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of fragments of the genes gltA, ompA, ompB and sca4 to detect rickettsia in ticks and fleas. Amplification of cytochrome oxidase subunit II and 16S rRNA was performed to assist tick identification. Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) was found in Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1835) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). Rickettsia bellii was found in Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and in Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato. Rickettsia sp. strain NOD was found in Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899. Of the Amblyomma cajennense complex, Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, 1888 was confirmed in the northern, northeast, midwest and southeast regions of Goiás, whereas Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto (Fabricius, 1787) was found only in the northern region of the state. Amblyomma dubitatum Neumann, 1899 associated with a species of the A. cajennense complex was the most common epidemiological finding, although Rickettsia rickettsii was not detected. This is the first report of Rickettsia sp. strain NOD in Goiás.

A cafeteria diet triggers intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in obese rats.

The gastrointestinal alterations associated with the consumption of an obesogenic diet, such as inflammation, permeability impairment and oxidative stress, have been poorly explored in both diet-induced obesity (DIO) and genetic obesity. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of an obesogenic diet on the gut health status of DIO rats in comparison with the Zucker (fa/fa) rat leptin receptor-deficient model of genetic obesity over time. For this purpose, female Wistar rats (n 48) were administered a standard or a cafeteria diet (CAF diet) for 12, 14·5 or 17 weeks and were compared with fa/fa Zucker rats fed a standard diet for 10 weeks. Morphometric variables, plasma biochemical parameters, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the ileum were assessed, as well as the expressions of proinflammatory genes (TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)) and intestinal permeability genes (zonula occludens-1, claudin-1 and occludin). Both the nutritional model and the genetic obesity model showed increased body weight and metabolic alterations at the final time point. An increase in intestinal ROS production and MPO activity was observed in the gastrointestinal tracts of rats fed a CAF diet but not in the genetic obesity model. TNF-α was overexpressed in the ileum of both CAF diet and fa/fa groups, and ileal inflammation was associated with the degree of obesity and metabolic alterations. Interestingly, the 17-week CAF group and the fa/fa rats exhibited alterations in the expressions of permeability genes. Relevantly, in the hyperlipidic refined sugar diet model of obesity, the responses to chronic energy overload led to time-dependent increases in gut inflammation and oxidative stress.

Sensory and inflammatory colonic changes induced by vincristine in distinct rat models of colitis.

Preclinical and clinical studies show that gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation can evoke sensory changes occasionally far from the original inflammatory site. Animal models of colitis with either trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) or mustard oil (MO) produce distinct patterns of somatic and visceral sensory changes. We evaluated the effects of four doses of i.v. vincristine 150 µg kg(-1) (total of 600 µg kg(-1) ) treatment on the somatic (thermal nociceptive threshold) and colonic (morphological) changes induced by TNBS or MO in rats. TNBS and MO groups were further submitted to vincristine or saline pretreatments. TNBS induced somatic hypersensitivity, while MO induced somatic hyposensitivity (P < 0.05) when compared to the saline and ethanol control groups. Vincristine per se induced somatic hypersensitivity (P < 0.05). This effect was enhanced by TNBS and reversed by MO treatments. Although vincristine increased the colitis area (colonic weight length(-1) ratio) and the Morris' score in TNBS-treated rats, it did not alter the colitis area and even lowered the Morris' score in MO-treated rats. Compared to the saline (control) group, vincristine did not alter the colonic microscopic pattern. However, such lesions scores are higher (P < 0.05) in colitis groups induced by TNBS and MO, pretreated or not with vincristine. In conclusion, the somatic changes induced by different models of experimental colitis are diverse and modulated differently by vincristine.

Estragole blocks neuronal excitability by direct inhibition of Na+ channels.

Estragole is a volatile terpenoid, which occurs naturally as a constituent of the essential oils of many plants. It has several pharmacological and biological activities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action of estragole on neuronal excitability. Intact and dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons of rats were used to record action potential and Na+ currents with intracellular and patch-clamp techniques, respectively. Estragole blocked the generation of action potentials in cells with or without inflexions on their descendant (repolarization) phase (Ninf and N0 neurons, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. The resting potentials and input resistances of Ninf and N0 cells were not altered by estragole (2, 4, and 6 mM). Estragole also inhibited total Na+ current and tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ current in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 of 3.2 and 3.6 mM, respectively). Kinetic analysis of Na+ current in the presence of 4 mM estragole showed a statistically significant reduction of fast and slow inactivation time constants, indicating an acceleration of the inactivation process. These data demonstrate that estragole blocks neuronal excitability by direct inhibition of Na+ channel conductance activation. This action of estragole is likely to be relevant to the understanding of the mechanisms of several pharmacological effects of this substance.

Estragole blocks neuronal excitability by direct inhibition of Na+ channels

Estragole is a volatile terpenoid, which occurs naturally as a constituent of the essential oils of many plants. It has several pharmacological and biological activities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action of estragole on neuronal excitability. Intact and dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons of rats were used to record action potential and Na+ currents with intracellular and patch-clamp techniques, respectively. Estragole blocked the generation of action potentials in cells with or without inflexions on their descendant (repolarization) phase (Ninf and N0 neurons, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. The resting potentials and input resistances of Ninf and N0 cells were not altered by estragole (2, 4, and 6 mM). Estragole also inhibited total Na+ current and tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ current in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 of 3.2 and 3.6 mM, respectively). Kinetic analysis of Na+ current in the presence of 4 mM estragole showed a statistically significant reduction of fast and slow inactivation time constants, indicating an acceleration of the inactivation process. These data demonstrate that estragole blocks neuronal excitability by direct inhibition of Na+ channel conductance activation. This action of estragole is likely to be relevant to the understanding of the mechanisms of several pharmacological effects of this substance.

Clinical and histological effects of the temporary occlusion of the rabbit nasolacrimal duct and point using cyanoacrylate adhesives / Efeitos clínicos e histológicos da oclusão temporária do ponto e do duto nasolacrimais de coelhos com adesivos de cianoacrilato

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histological effects of occluding the nasolacrimal ducts and points of rabbits. For this study, 20 adult New Zealand rabbits, both males and females, weighing 3.2±0.4kg were allocated into two groups for n-butyl-cyanoacrylate occlusion (GB, n=10) or 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate occlusion (GO, n=10). The contralateral eyes served as the controls. The persistence of tears was evaluated daily using the Schirmer I test. Discomfort, eye discharge, epiphora, and conjunctival hyperemia were assessed prior to the procedure (T0) and during the 14 subsequent days (T1-T14). On days seven and 14, five animals from each group were euthanized, and their nasolacrimal ducts were collected, processed and analyzed by histology. In the GB group, the Schirmer test values differed from that at T0 at all of the subsequent time points, whereas there was no difference in the values observed from the GO group. Compared with the corresponding controls, the GO and GB groups differed significantly at almost all of the time points. When comparing the treatment groups, differences were found at T6, T7, T9, T10, T11, T12 and T14, with higher Schirmer values in the GB group. Epiphora was observed in the GB group from T1 to T8 and in the GO group from T1 to T6. Within seven days post-occlusion, histology revealed a moderate foreign body reaction, with marked necrosis and sloughing of the canalicular epithelium, in the GO group, which was absent at day 14. In the GB group, a marked inflammatory reaction and a mild foreign body reaction were found at day seven, and the foreign body reaction was prevalent at day 14. This study demonstrated that both adhesives were effective in obstructing the nasolacrimal ducts and points of rabbits and that their application and handling are easy and free of complications. However, both adhesives promoted inflammatory and foreign body reactions that evolved to repair and regeneration at day 14 of evaluation.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos clínicos e histológicos da oclusão do ponto e do duto nasolacrimais de coelhos. Para isso, utilizaram-se 20 coelhos adultos da raça Nova Zelândia, machos e fêmeas, com peso de 3,2±0,4kg, distribuídos em dois grupos: oclusão com n-butil cianoacrilato (GB, n=10) e oclusão com 2-octil cianoacrilato (GO, n=10). Os olhos contralaterais foram utilizados como controle. A permanência da lágrima foi avaliada diariamente pelo teste de Schirmer I. Foram avaliados o desconforto, secreção ocular, epífora e hiperemia conjuntival, previamente ao procedimento (T0) e durante 14 dias (T1-T14). Aos sete e aos 14 dias, cinco animais de cada grupo foram submetidos à eutanásia, e os dutos nasolacrimais, colhidos, processados e analisados à histologia. Em GB, os valores de Schirmer diferiram de T0 em todos os momentos; em GO não houve diferença. Na comparação com o respectivo controle, GB e GO diferiram significativamente em quase todos os momentos. Ao compararem-se os tratamentos, houve diferença em T6, T7, T9, T10, T11, T12 e T14, sendo os valores de Schirmer superiores em GB. Epífora esteve presente em GB de T1 a T8 e em GO de T1 a T6. À histologia, em GO, aos sete dias, notou-se moderada reação de corpo estranho com marcante necrose e descamação do epitélio canalicular; tais alterações estiveram ausentes aos 14 dias. Em GB, verificou-se, aos sete dias, acentuada reação inflamatória e discreta reação de corpo estranho; aos 14 dias, houve predomínio da reação de corpo estranho. Concluiu-se que ambos os adesivos foram eficazes na obstrução do ponto e do duto nasolacrimais de coelhos, sendo sua aplicação e manuseio fáceis e livres de intercorrências e ambos promoveram reação inflamatória e de corpo estranho que evoluíram para reparação e regeneração aos 14 dias de avaliação.

Atrial stretch delays gastric emptying of liquids in awake rats.

AIMS: We previously reported that mechanical atrial stretch (AS) by balloon distention increased gastric tonus in anesthetized rats. The present study evaluated the effect of AS on the gastric emptying of a liquid test meal in awake rats and its underlying neural mechanisms. MAIN METHODS: Anesthetized male rats received a balloon catheter into the right atrium and a gastrostomy cannula. The next day, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), and cardiac output (CO) were continuously monitored. After the first 20min of monitoring (basal interval), the balloon was either distended or not (control) with 30, 50, or 70µl saline for 5min. Fifteen minutes later, the rats received the test meal (glucose solution with phenol red), and fractional gastric dye retention was determined 10, 20, or 30min later. KEY FINDINGS: Heart rate and CVP values were transiently increased by 50 or 70µl AS but not 30µl AS, whereas gastric emptying was slower after 30, 50, or 70µl AS than after sham distention. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or splanchnicotomy+celiac ganglionectomy and capsaicin, ondansetron, hexamethonium, L-NAME, and glibenclamide treatment prevented the AS-induced delay in gastric emptying, whereas atropine and guanethidine treatment failed to prevent it. SIGNIFICANCE: Atrial stretch inhibited the gastric emptying of liquid via non-adrenergic and non-cholinergic pathways that activate nitric oxide-K(+)ATP channels.

Radon in indoor concentrations and indoor concentrations of metal dust particles in museums and other public buildings.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the public and occupational exposure to radon and metal-bearing particles in museums and public buildings located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For this study, four buildings were selected: two historic buildings, which currently house an art gallery and an art museum; and two modern buildings, a chapel and a club. Integrated radon concentration measurements were performed using passive radon detectors with solid state nuclear track detector-type Lexan used as nuclear track detector. Air samplers with a cyclone were used to collect the airborne particle samples that were analyzed by the particle-induced X-ray emission technique. The average unattached-radon concentrations in indoor air in the buildings were above 40 Bq/m(3), with the exception of Building D as measured in 2009. The average radon concentrations in indoor air in the four buildings in 2009 were below the recommended reference level by World Health Organization (100 Bq/m(3)); however, in 2011, the average concentrations of radon in Buildings A and C were above this level, though lower than 300 Bq/m(3). The average concentrations of unattached radon were lower than 148 Bq/m(3) (4pCi/L), the USEPA level recommended to take action to reduce the concentrations of radon in indoor air. The unattached-radon average concentrations were also lower than the value recommended by the European Union for new houses. As the unattached-radon concentrations were below the international level recommended to take action to reduce the radon concentration in air, it was concluded that during the period of sampling, there was low risk to human health due to the inhalation of unattached radon in these four buildings.

Efecto de la hospitalización sobre la mantención de la lactancia materna en niños menores de 6 meses de edad / Hospitalization and continuity of breastfeeding in infants less than 6 months of age

Objective: To assess the effect of hospitalization for acute morbidity on the continuity of breastfeeding. Patients and Method: Concurrent cohort study of infants under 6 month of age admitted to the Hospital Sótero del Río, with follow-up at 2 and 6 weeks post discharge. Results: 72 patients entered the study. At the time of admission, 91.7 percent of patients were receiving breastfeeding (BF); 19.4 percent of them was exclusive breastfeeding (BFe). At 2 weeks after discharge, BF and BFe was 86 percent and 29 percent (p = NS), respectively. At 6 weeks post discharge, BF and BFe was 80 percent (p = 0.021 compared to admission) and 33 percent (p = NS) respectively. In patients admitted to the pediatric unit, there was an increase in the BFe between the second and sixth week of follow up (29.7 percent and 40.5 percent respectively, p = 0.008). Conclusions: After discharge, there was a decrease in the prevalence of BF similar to that observed in the National Breast Feeding Survey. The hospitalization did not negatively affect the maintenance of breastfeeding, on the contrary, there was an increase in those receiving exclusive breastfeeding, which could be explained by the education on breast feeding that mothers received within the hospital.

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la hospitalización por morbilidad aguda sobre la continuidad de la lactancia materna (LM) en menores de 6 meses de edad. Pacientes y Método: Estudio de cohorte concurrente en pacientes ingresados al Hospital Sótero del Río, con seguimiento de lactancia materna al ingreso, a las 2 y 6 semanas post-alta. Resultados: 72 pacientes ingresaron al estudio. Al momento de la admisión, 91,7 por ciento de los pacientes recibía LM, de ellos, 19,4 por ciento era lactancia materna exclusiva (LME). A las 2 semanas post alta, LM y LME fue de 86 por ciento y 29 por ciento (p = NS), respectivamente. A las 6 semanas post alta, LM y LME fue de 80 por ciento (p = 0,021 respecto al ingreso), y 33 por ciento (p = NS) respectivamente. En los pacientes ingresados a sala, se observó un aumento en la LME entre la segunda y la sexta semana de seguimiento (29,7 por ciento y 40,5 por ciento, respectivamente, p = 0,008). Conclusiones: Posterior al alta, se observó una disminución en la prevalencia de LM similar a la caída observada en la Encuesta Nacional de Lactancia Materna. La hospitalización no afectó negativamente la mantención de la lactancia materna, al contrario, se observó un incremento en aquellos que recibían lactancia materna exclusiva, lo que podría explicarse por la educación en lactancia que reciben las madres durante la hospitalización.

Teor de flavonóides totais em produtos contendo pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia L. ) comercializados em farmácias de Recife/PE / Total flavonoid content in products containing "pata-de-vaca" (Bauhinia L. ) sold in pharmacies in Recife/PE

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, através de metodologia espetrofotométrica, o teor de flavonóides totais em produtos contendo pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia L.) comercializados em farmácias de Recife, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foi utilizada metodologia de complexação com cloreto de alumínio. Os resultados foram expressos em µg equivalentes de rutina por mililitro (µg ER mL-1). Foram adquiridos e avaliados nove produtos (drogas rasuradas, extratos e cápsulas). As concentrações de flavonóides totais das amostras variaram de 1,663 ± 0,144 a 28,698 ± 0,187 µg ER mL-1. Os resultados não apresentaram uniformidade quanto à concentração de flavonóides totais, indicando falta de padronização nas preparações fitoterápicas e possível ineficácia dos produtos comercializados.

The aim of this study was to evaluate, through spectrophotometric methodology, the total flavonoid content in products containing "pata-de-vaca" (Bauhinia L.) sold in pharmacies in Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The methodology of complexation with aluminum chloride was used. The results were expressed as µg of rutin equivalents per milliliter (µg RE mL-1). Nine products (drug erasures, extracts and capsules) were purchased and evaluated. The concentrations of total flavonoids in the samples ranged from 1.663 ± 0.144 to 28.698 ± 0.187 µg RE mL-1. The results showed no uniformity as to the total flavonoid content, indicating a lack of standardization in herbal preparations and a possible inefficiency of the marketed products.

Clonagem das glicoproteínas transmembrana G e F de um isolado brasileiro do vírus respiratório sincicial bovino em sistema procarioto / Cloning of the transmembrane glycoproteins G and F from a Brazilian isolate of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in a prokaryotic system

The aim of this work was the cloning of those transmembrane glycoproteins G and F from an isolate bovine respiratory syncytial viruses (BRSV) - a Brazilian isolate of BRSV, named BRSV-25-BR in previous studies, in a prokaryotic system to proceed the sequencing of larger genomic fragments. The nucleotide substitutions were confirmed and these clones may also be used in further studies regarding the biological effects of those proteins in vitro and in vivo.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi a clonagem das glicoproteínas transmembrana G e F de um isolado de vírus respiratório sincicial bovino (BRSV) - um isolado brasileiro denominado BRSV-25-BR- que já demonstrou possuir mutações em regiões altamente conservadas do gene da proteína G - em sistema procariótico, com o intuito de sequenciar fragmentos genômicos maiores. As substituições de nucleotídeos foram confirmadas e tais clones podem ser utilizados em futuros estudos sobre os efeitos biológicos destas proteínas tanto in vitro como in vivo.

Introducción precoz de sustitutos de lactancia materna e incidencia de lactancia materna exclusiva al mes de vida / Breast milk substitutes at one month of life and breastfeeding suspension risk

Healthy term newborn feeding choice at the Maternity Ward may determine exclusive breastfeeding (EB) duration. Objective: Determine prospectively if early introduction of breast milk substitutes (BMS) or other liquids in healthy term newborns is associated to a reduction of EB incidence at 1 month of age. Methods: Concurrent cohort study of 211 healthy term neonates born in Hospital Clínico Universidad Católica during October 2007-June 2007, 108 non-supplemented and 103 supplemented with milk formula or dextrose 5 percent during the time they stayed at the Maternity Ward. Crude and adjusted risk of EB cessation between both groups was estimated at 1 month of age. Results: One month after birth, 40/100 (40.0 percent) of supplemented newborns and 26/101 (25.7 percent) non-supplemented newborns were not receiving exclusive breastfeeding (crude RR =1.55 (CI95 percent 1.03-2.34)). Adjusted by maternal characteristics (age, education, breastfeeding experience, education in breastfeeding, EB time projection and paternal support) and newborn characteristics (type of delivery and birth weight), EB cessation risk was 55 percent higher in supplemented neonates (adjusted RR = 1.55, CI95 percent 1.01-2.35). Conclusion: Early supplementation in healthy term newborns with BMS is associated to a higher risk of EB cessation at 1 month of age.

Introducción: La forma de alimentación de un recién nacido de término (RNT) durante su estadía en la Maternidad puede condicionar la duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva (LME). Objetivo: Determinar prospectivamente si la introducción precoz de SLM (sustitutos de lactancia materna) u otros líquidos a RNT sanos se asocia a una reducción de la incidencia de LME al mes de vida. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte concurrente. Se conformó una cohorte de 211 RNT sanos cuyo parto fue atendido en la Maternidad del Hospital Clínico Universidad Católica en el período octubre 2006-junio 2007, 108 no-suplementados y 103 suplementados con fórmula láctea o suero glucosado al 5 por ciento durante su estadía en la Maternidad. Se estimó el riesgo crudo de cesación de LME al mes de vida entre los grupos no-suplementado vs suplementado, y ajustado por diversas variables confundentes. Resultados: Transcurrido un mes de vida, 40/100 (40,0 por ciento) recién nacidos suplementados y 26/101 (25,7 por ciento) recién nacidos no-suplementados habían dejado de recibir LME, siendo el RR crudo = 1,55 (IC95 por ciento 1,03-2,34). Ajustado por características maternas (edad, educación, experiencia previa de lactancia, educación en lactancia, proyección LME y apoyo paterno) y del recién nacido (vía de parto y peso de nacimiento), el riesgo de cesación de LME al mes de vida fue 55 por ciento mayor en los RNT suplementados vs. no-suplementados (RR ajustado = 1,54; IC95 por ciento 1,01-2,35). Conclusión: La suplementación precoz de RNT sanos con SLM asocia a un mayor riesgo de cese de LME al mes de vida.

PCR detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin genes in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from raw and pasteurized milk.

Milk is considered a nutritious food because it contains several important nutrients including proteins and vitamins. Conversely, it can be a vehicle for several pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of genes encoding the staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, SEE, SEG, SEH, SEI and SEJ in S. aureus strains isolated from raw or pasteurized bovine milk. S. aureus was found in 38 (70.4%) out of 54 raw milk samples at concentrations of up to 8.9 x 10(5) CFU/ml. This microorganism was present in eight samples of pasteurized milk before the expiration date and in 11 samples analyzed on the expiration date. Of the 57 strains studied, 68.4% were positive for one or more genes encoding the enterotoxins, and 12 different genotypes were identified. The gene coding for enterotoxin A, sea, was the most frequent (16 strains, 41%), followed by sec (8 strains, 20.5%), sed (5 strains, 12.8%), seb (3 strains, 7.7%) and see (2 strains, 5.1%). Among the genes encoding the other enterotoxins, seg was the most frequently observed (11 strains, 28.2%), followed by sei (10 strains) and seh and sej (3 strains each). With the recent identification of new SEs, the perceived frequency of enterotoxigenic strains has increased, suggesting that the pathogenic potential of staphylococci may be higher than previously thought; however, further studies are required to assess the expression of these new SEs by S. aureus, and their impact in foodborne disease. The quality of Brazilian milk is still low, and efforts from the government and the entire productive chain are required to attain consumer safety.

Perfil clínico y manejo de pacientes con alopecia areata en el Servicio de Dermatología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile / Study of patients diagnosed with alopecia areata, and treated at the Dermatological Service of the Diagnostic Center at Universidad Catolica de Chile

Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes atendidos con diagnóstico de Alopecia Areata en el Servicio de Dermatología del Centro de Diagnóstico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Se revisaron las fichas de 77 pacientes con diagnóstico de Alopecia Areata, 38 por ciento hombres, 62 por ciento mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 26.7 (DSI 15.7; rango 2-65): 15 por ciento presentaron depresión, 11 por ciento rinitis alérgica, 6,5 por ciento presentaron ansiedad, 3,9 por ciento hipotiroidismo y 2,6 por ciento, vitíligo. La Alopecia Areata se asocia a un evento estresante en 27 por ciento de los pacientes. Dentro de los exámenes solicitados, un 2/26 tuvieron anticuerpos antitiroídeos positivos y 2/27, TSH alterada. Se discuten las diversas modalidades terapéuticas para tratar la Alopecia Areata.

Actualizaciones en alopecia areata / Alopecia areata updates

La alopecia areata es una enfermedad dermatológica caracterizada por áreas o parches de alopecia con bordes netos en cuero cabelludo (principalmente) y resto del cuerpo. Es no cicatricial y tiene un curso impredecible, incluso la involución espontánea. Corresponde al 2 por ciento de las consultas dermatológicas. Puede asociarse a alteraciones autoinmunes como la tiroiditis de Hashimoto, vitíligo y atopia. Hasta una 20 por ciento de los pacientes tienen antecedentes familiares de la enfermedad. Actualmente puede tratarse con corticoides intralesionales, inmunoterapia tópica o sistémica, antralina, minoxidil y fotoquimioterapia. El tratamiento y la evolución dependen principalmente de dos factores: extensión y la edad de los pacientes.

Effects of estragole on the compound action potential of the rat sciatic nerve

Estragole, a relatively nontoxic terpenoid ether, is an important constituent of many essential oils with widespread applications in folk medicine and aromatherapy and known to have potent local anesthetic activity. We investigated the effects of estragole on the compound action potential (CAP) of the rat sciatic nerve. The experiments were carried out on sciatic nerves dissected from Wistar rats. Nerves, mounted in a moist chamber, were stimulated at a frequency of 0.2 Hz, with electric pulses of 50-100-æs duration at 10-20 V, and evoked CAP were monitored on an oscilloscope and recorded on a computer. CAP control parameters were: peak-to-peak amplitude (PPA), 9.9 ± 0.55 mV (N = 15), conduction velocity, 92.2 ± 4.36 m/s (N = 15), chronaxy, 45.6 ± 3.74 æs (N = 5), and rheobase, 3.9 ± 0.78 V (N = 5). Estragole induced a dose-dependent blockade of the CAP. At 0.6 mM, estragole had no demonstrable effect. At 2.0 and 6.0 mM estragole, PPA was significantly reduced at the end of 180-min exposure of the nerve to the drug to 85.6 ± 3.96 and 13.04 ± 1.80 percent of control, respectively. At 4.0 mM, estragole significantly altered PPA, conduction velocity, chronaxy, and rheobase (P <= 0.05, ANOVA; N = 5) to 49.3 ± 6.21 and 77.7 ± 3.84, 125.9 ± 10.43 and 116.7 ± 4.59 percent, of control, respectively. All of these effects developed slowly and were reversible upon a 300-min wash-out. The data show that estragole dose-dependently blocks nerve excitability.